Entertainment

Playing Rock Hudson

Posted by

<
>

As is promptly declared at the start of this slick, sophisticated production, Rock Hudson “appeared to everyone differently, which was entirely deliberate.” Yet this Hollywood sensation, an actor whose career spanned 40 years, was forced to keep his sexuality a secret.

Dying of an AIDS-related illness in 1985, Hudson’s private life was aired to the world when former lover Marc Christianson filed a lawsuit against his estate. The formalities of this posthumous case form the canvas on which Hudson’s story plays out, with his life and loves revisited in highly emotive interludes.

A dialogue-heavy script is impeccably delivered through a series of duologues, be they a sharp-edged interrogation or sensual seduction. The stage resembles a ‘courtroom’ built from bundles of magazines with Hudson on the cover – the chokehold of the media on his identity.

This unfussy set is enlivened by the considered placement of actors (a credit to debut director and playwright Cameron Lukey), all of whom move seamlessly from a tableaux to multiple roles. Odette Galbally dons diamonds and a feathered-crop wig as Elizabeth Taylor, holding her bold and brazen own in an otherwise suit-clad male cast. Shane Savage is strong as both Christianson and Jack Navaar, the leading men in Rock’s life, with the star himself played by a fittingly chiselled Bart Walsh.

The acting is first rate, as is the way that we, the audience, are thrust into judge’s seat. Nearly thirty years on we are fortunate to be privy to this perfectly executed, compelling story of the man who, albeit regrettably, gave much needed celebrity status to a harrowing disease.

Playing Rock Hudson plays at The Coopers Malthouse until Dec 4. Find out more here.


Art & Design

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/07/03/rembrandt-true-to-life-at-ngv/

Rembrandt: True to Life at NGV

Enter the world of Rembrandt at the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) newest exhibition Rembrandt: True to Life

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/06/05/australiana-designing-a-nation-at-bendigo-art-gallery/

Australiana: Designing a Nation at Bendigo Art Gallery

Australiana: Designing a Nation is a celebration of who we are today and our defining moments of yesteryear. The free exhibition is in its final weeks at Bendigo Art Gallery, and closes on Sunday 25 June 2023.

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/05/09/melbourne-design-fair/

Melbourne Design Fair

Curated by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Melbourne Design Fair celebrates the most talented and up-and-coming designers in the ever-evolving world of design. Runs May 18-21 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Food and Drink

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/12/06/stella-restaurant-and-bar/

Stella Restaurant and Bar

Do you need to find a restaurant to make a lasting impression for that romantic date or a group of friends for your festive end-of-year dinner? Then look no further than Stella Restaurant and Bar. Situated in the hustle and bustle of Chapel St, Stella is offering both Christmas Day and NYE celebrations galore.

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/11/30/15-years-of-400-gradi/

15 Years of 400 Gradi

400 Gradi's recent 15th birthday celebration, hosted in the beating heart of Brunswick, was a grand spectacle of tantalising Italian delicacies, free flowing drinks and was wrapped in an atmosphere of sheer jubilation.

http://www.milkbarmag.com/2023/11/17/green-cup/

Green Cup

Launching in November, Green Cup has teamed with health and fitness enthusiast Sam Wood to launch a limited-edition new smoothie and acai bowl range.